Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 has become notorious with it’s lack of update expediency since the much delayed NoDo update. Through that update users did get the much needed copy/paste functionality and some smaller performance tweaks but it was hardly worth the wait. The Mango update, however, seems to hold a little more promise for those who have jumped on the Windows Phone bandwagon.
The update is loaded with features, some many people have come to expect on their Android or Apple handsets, some are fresh features removing the need for third party apps altogether. Below is all announced additions coming later this year when the update goes live,though there no confirmed time fame yet.
- Bing Audio: Shazam-style audio track recognition
- Multitasking for third-party apps, deeper integration with live tiles
- An overhauled Live Tile system (Details)
- Internet Explorer 9, support for HTML 5
- Bing Vision: Integrated scanning for barcodes, tags, text, etc.
- Voice recognition for drafting text messages
- Email folders pinnable to the start screen for quick access
- Facebook Chat and Windows Live Messenger integration
- New conversation view for email exchanges
- Ability to search email servers for archived messages
- New Lync app for Windows Phone (IM and presence), a likely first step toward Skype integration
- Support for complex passwords (alphanumeric)
- Information rights management support for protected emails and documents
- Ability to access hidden corporate WiFi networks
- Native podcast search and download in the Windows Phone Marketplace
- Integrated turn-by-turn directions
- The ability to send SMS text messages to preset groups of contacts
- Integration of Office 365 and SkyDrive in the Office hub
- Overhaul of the Games hub, with an auto-sync feature
- Twitter integration into the Windows Phone People hub
- The ability to quickly search for installed apps by keyword
- Access to motion sensor and camera by third-party apps
- AOL instant messenger integration
- Office Hub Improvements
- Album Artwork displayable on lock screen
- Xbox Live Gold and Silver and other Live improvements;
- And small performance and security tweaks
What do you guys think of these features, any you are excited for, or are these all an old hat to you?
Source: GeekWire, winrumours
